Game of the Week Preview
By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com
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Breaking down the week nine game of the week: LSU vs Ole Miss.
Game — LSU vs Ole Miss
Overview — This is yet another test for the Rebels, who enter late October ranked third nationally at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the SEC. They are one of just three undefeated major conference teams remaining. Ole Miss currently leads the nation in scoring defense and has allowed the fewest touchdowns in college football. The Tigers are fresh off, perhaps, their most complete game of the year in a 41-3 dismantling of Kentucky. Last season’s contest came down to a game-winning field goal by the Rebels with just two seconds remaining.
Why to Watch — Ole Miss is a front-runner for the college football playoff at this point and would strengthen its argument for number one with yet another victory over a nationally-ranked team. College football’s most dominant defense is must-see TV. Seemingly improving week-to-week, LSU has exciting young talent all over the football field. Night games in Death Valley, one of the loudest venues in the country, are always special.
Keys for LSU
1. Establish the Run — The Tigers are at their absolute best when committing to a powerful north-south ground game and physically wearing down their opponents. Statistically, in fact, there is great validation; LSU has not lost since late November of 2008 when rushing for at least 140 yards, and that defeat came by one point. Offensively, everything starts up front for the Tigers. Their ability to run right at teams was on clear display against Kentucky, see 51 carries for 303 yards. LSU has options in the backfield in true freshmen Leonard Fournette and Darrell Williams and seniors Kenny Hillard and Terrence Magee. Controlling the line of scrimmage against the Ole Miss front four will be a major challenge, but, behind mighty tackle La’el Collins, has to be considered priority number one. A consistent ground game will help neutralize the Rebels’ ballhawks in the secondary.
2. Attack Bo — Quarterback Bo Wallace has done a great job for the Rebels this season and has not thrown a single interception in the month of October. Against a team as good defensively as Ole Miss, turnovers leading to short fields can be major difference-makers. Linemen Danielle Hunter, Jermauria Rasco and company must get to Wallace, disrupt his timing and rush his decisions. The Tigers were able to record two sacks against Kentucky last Saturday. When rushing the passer against a mobile quarterback, however, gap discipline is important; Wallace has 867 career rushing yards.
3. Find Travin Dural — You win big games with big plays. Dural is one of the SEC’s most dynamic talents and currently ranks third nationally with an average of 25.6 yards per reception. He has scored touchdowns in three of LSU’s last four games and can get downfield in a hurry. The Tigers don’t need a ton of production from the passing game, just timely success. Dural can swing momentum in an instant. Whoever is in at quarterback for LSU must make sure they remember to look Dural’s way, on occasion, for the home run. Against the nation’s top scoring defense, the Tigers will likely need a few of those to pull off the victory.
Keys for Ole Miss
1. Force Third Down and Long — Part of what makes the Rebels so dangerous defensively is their ability to make plays on the football. Ole Miss leads the country with 15 interceptions. What LSU does on first and second downs will help shape this game, as the Tigers have not yet found consistent production throwing the football. On paper, obvious passing downs for LSU would be a major advantage for the Rebels and would result in an increased likelihood in both turnovers and sacks. If Robert Nkemdiche and the front line can stop the run early in drives, just as they have done all year, it will put Senquez Golson and the secondary in a great position to be successful when the sticks must be reached.
2. Don’t Get Beat on Special Teams — It’s amazing how many times special teams help decide who wins and loses. Keep an eye on returns. LSU is among the best in the SEC with the likes of Tre’Davious White and Leonard Fournette. Ole Miss ranks 112th and 116th nationally in kick and punt returns, respectively. In a game where points may very well be at a premium, converting on all scoring opportunities will be critical. The Rebels have had some inconsistencies in the kicking game. Field position will obviously be very important and both Will Gleeson and Jamie Keehn have been very good.
3. Stay Focused — Needless to say, Ole Miss has been the better team this season. Traits like discipline, efficiency and tenacity have helped define the Rebels as a legitimate national championship contender. On the road, in a hostile environment, maintaining the status quo can be difficult. The Rebels can’t let the Tigers dictate tempo or force a change. Pass protection and winning the turnover battle will be key, as will fighting through the emotion that comes with a high-profile night game. Ole Miss is playing LSU, but also the intensity of a rowdy home crowd and the pressure of a high ranking. In some ways, the Rebels are facing an LSU team with nothing to lose.
Key Players
LSU: Leonard Fournette, RB — The true freshman had his breakout game a few weeks ago, running 27 times for 140 yards and a touchdown against an elite Florida defense. He is the complete package at tailback.
Ole Miss: Robert NKemdiche, DT — A athletic force at the line of scrimmage, Nkemdiche sets the tone up front for the Rebels. The attention he demands allows those around him to make big plays.
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